Northrop Supplies Distributed Aperture System For F-35s

Northrop Grumman has recently supplied the 1,000th AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) sensor for integration on the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

The six infrared DAS sensors on the F-35 provide full spherical situational awareness to the pilot, day and night.

The DAS provides a revolutionary capability to autonomously detect and track aircraft and missiles in every direction, while projecting video directly into the pilot's helmet mounted display and eliminating cockpit obscurities. With DAS, the pilot has an unprecedented view and awareness of the surrounding world.

In flight testing, the DAS has demonstrated the ability to expand into additional missions and platforms, including ballistic missile defense, hostile ground fire detection and unmanned aircraft operations. DAS also has displayed tracking a rocket to over 800 miles (1300km) distance.

"With 1,000 sensors delivered, we have demonstrated the maturity and affordability of our DAS technology," said David Partridge, director, F-35 Radar and DAS programs, Northrop Grumman. 

"The system provides fifth generation awareness and protection unparalleled in legacy aircraft and continues to show its versatility and applicability to a wide range of additional missions and platforms,"Partridge added.